China rejects US claims of active trade negotiations, calls tariff talks "false"

Chinese officials have denied reports of negotiations with the US government on trade issues and tariffs, responding to US President Donald Trump’s statements about "active consultations."

The remarks were made by Geng Shuang, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, who called Trump’s assertions "false", Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"This is false information. As far as I know, China and the US have not conducted any consultations or negotiations on tariff issues, let alone reached any agreements," Geng Shuang stated during a briefing.

Geng further clarified that Washington had been the initiator of the tariff conflict and emphasised that China has maintained a "consistent and clear" position throughout the dispute. "We will fight until the end, but the doors for negotiations remain open," he added.

The spokesperson also stressed that China is open to discussions on tariffs with the US, but only on equal terms, in accordance with the principle of mutual respect.

Meanwhile, Stephen Miran, the Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, expressed optimism regarding the possibility of reaching a trade deal with China. "I am optimistic that we will have a deal with China, and I am optimistic that we can reduce some of the tensions and give both economies and the world a breather," Miran said.

His comments came just days after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke to a closed group of JP Morgan clients, assuring them that the trade war with China would not be "sustainable."

On the previous day, President Trump told reporters that Chinese tariffs "will be significantly reduced," though they would not be eliminated completely.

Miran, in his defence of the tariffs, explained that they are a crucial tool in reshaping trade relations that, according to Trump, have unfairly impacted American workers. "We need to look ahead beyond what is happening with tariffs right now, at the trade deals that are being discussed, at the tax cuts being discussed with Congress," he noted. "All of this, after a period of volatility, will create a strong economy."

Currently, Washington’s tariffs on Chinese goods stand at a total of 145%, while China retaliated by raising tariffs on US products to 125% starting April 12.